Goiter Definition

Enlarged Thyroid Gland Goiter

Goiter definition Simply stated, the definition of goiter (sometimes spelled "goitre") is an enlarged thyroid gland.

The entire thyroid gland could become enlarged at once, or there can be smaller tissue growths known as nodules within the thyroid. Some goiters are relatively small and appear more like a general swelling of the neck. Other can grow very large and even look frightening. However, it's important to remember that a thyroid gland goiter is generally benign (non-cancerous).

Types of goiters There are several different types of goiters, and their cause largely depends on their type. Goiters are generally defined by classification. They may be simple, hereditary, or the result of other causes. A simple goiter is caused by an inadequate supply of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland enlarges trying to make up for the deficiency.

Simple goiters are further split into two other categories:

• endemic, or colloid, and
• sporadic or nontoxic.

What causes goiters? Endemic goiters are caused by an iodine deficiency (iodine is needed for thyroid hormone production). They are more likely to occur in populations of certain geographic areas where there isn't enough iodine in their diets. Iodine deficiency is still common in parts of central Asia and central Africa. Goiters are more rare in countries like the United States where iodized table salt is commonly used in meals and cooking.

What causes sporadic goiters is something of a mystery. It seems, however, that certain kinds of drugs, notably lithium and aminoglutethimide, can cause goiters of this type.

Hereditary factors may also cause a thyroid gland goiter, including

Age: goiter is more common in people over 40.

Family history: if some of your relatives have had goiters, you may be at higher risk.

Gender: women get goiter more often than men.

Other diseases and medical conditions can also be what causes goiters.

• Graves’ disease. This is an autoimmune disease. The thyroid is attacked by the body's own immune system, which causes it to over stimulate. This results in an enlarged thyroid gland. See Graves' disease. 
• Hashimoto thyroid disease. This is also an autoimmune disease. Hashimoto thyroid disease causes inflammation of the thyroid, which results underproduction of thyroid hormones. The body responds by making other hormones to stimulate the thyroid, again causing an enlarged thyroid gland.
• Nodular goiter. Nodules, or tissue growths, appear on one or both sides of the thyroid gland, resulting in an enlargement.
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman's body secretes a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone can cause an enlargement of the thyroid. See thyroid problems in women.
• Radiation exposure.
• Thyroid cancer. This often results in an enlarged thyroid gland. It should be noted once again that 95 percent of these nodules are non-cancerous. If there are no nodules, there no reason to fear thyroid cancer.
• Thyroiditis. This is simply an inflammation of the thyroid gland itself, and sometimes occurs after a viral illness. See thyroiditis.

Learn more by clicking on thyroid goiter symptoms and thyroid goiter treatment. 

 

     

 
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